A Russian next-generation single-engine fighter jet was spotted at Zhukovsky International Airport outside Moscow on Thursday, July 15.
Photos began circulating on social media the same day, but it remains unclear whether the aircraft is a mock-up of a future fighter or a real prototype.
Earlier this week, Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), part of the state tech conglomerate Rostec, announced that it plans to unveil the new military aircraft on the first day of the MAKS-2021 international aerospace show.
“Russia is one of the few countries in the world that possesses full-cycle technologies for producing advanced aircraft systems and is a recognized trendsetter in creating combat planes. We are confident that the new product developed by UAC specialists will attract genuine interest both at home and abroad, including among our competitors,” the press office said in a statement.
UAC also tweeted: “Everything is easier than it seems. #Checkmate. Something seems to be on the way.”
Some sources have said the new fighter will be called Checkmate.
Rostec also launched an official website for the project, which began a countdown to the aircraft’s debut show on July 20, according to the statement.
Additionally, in May 2021, the TASS news agency reported that Russia’s defense industry is developing a next-generation single-engine fighter.
According to TASS, Russian state aerospace company Sukhoi is currently working on a new light tactical fighter aircraft.
“The Sukhoi company is developing a single-engine light tactical aircraft with a takeoff weight of up to 18 tonnes. The aircraft’s maximum speed will exceed Mach 2. It will also feature super-maneuverability and improved takeoff and landing performance, thanks to a thrust-vectoring engine. The thrust-to-weight ratio will exceed 1,” the news agency reported, citing an industry source.
In general, single-engine aircraft offer advantages in cost and require less maintenance. Russia plans to develop a new light combat aircraft to replace its aging fleet of Soviet-era MiG-29 fighters and Su-25 close-support aircraft.
Rostec CEO Sergei Chemezov told reporters in December 2020 that the company was working on the concept of an advanced single-engine light- and medium-class piloted and unmanned combat aircraft.
“Work is underway to develop a combat aviation system of the future in both light and medium classes. The concept may include a universal platform in both manned and unmanned versions. The company is working on the concept and operational requirements for such a platform. We are doing this on our own initiative so far, without federal budget funding,” Chemezov said.